Stenus semicolon
LeConte, J. L., 1863
water skater
Stenus semicolon is a of water skater rove beetle in the Staphylinidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. The species belongs to the Steninae, a group known for their ability to glide on water surfaces using specialized gland secretions. It has been recorded across much of Canada and the northern and western United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenus semicolon: /ˈstiːnəs ˌsɛmɪkəˈloʊn/
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Distribution
Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan); United States (Alaska, Alabama, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin).
More Details
Taxonomic status note
The Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, though GBIF and iNaturalist treat it as accepted. The taxonomic status may require verification.
Water gliding ability
As a member of the Stenus within Steninae, this may possess the ability to glide on water surfaces, though this has not been specifically documented for S. semicolon. Some Stenus species are water gliders while others are not.